Gordon Stow has been a member of HMC for around ten years. He is an active and regular member participating in nearly every competition that HMC holds. His interest in magic as a youngster had lain dormant until it was resurrected after his ill health retirement as a college lecturer in 1995. Discovering Supreme Magic and the British Ring IBM from a childrens book on magic was the catalyst to this re-interest.
Gordon was born and bred in Hull. He raised three children, was married for twenty-one years and divorced in 1987. Gordon married again, started another family and moved out to Kilham in 1992.
Always a Bridesmaid could have been Gordons magical theme tune as he has become known for coming second in nearly every magical competition he has entered! Until this month when he was declared the winner of the Connolly Shield for stage magic 2005. Gordon says he is very proud to be a member of the fraternity of magic.

What type of magic do you enjoy?
I enjoy watching close up and street magic, and I enjoy performing stage, comedy and childrens magic.

Who is your favourite magician, and why?
My favourite magicians have to be my friends in magic: Chris Pawson, Ron Thompson, Rob Walls and Malcolm Bromwich. We share ideas, encouragement, and inspiration.

Do you, have you followed another profession?
Yes, I was a college lecturer in building, then later in special education. I am now a social worker with learning-disabled adults.

Have you used your magical skills with that other profession?
Currently, I find it very useful as a medium into all sorts of therapeutic interventions, from challenging behaviour to inspiring people with profound handicaps.

What has been the highlight of your magical life so far?
Winning the Connolly Shield for stage magic, but I have also been so proud to be runner up in some of our other recent competitions.

Do you have any other hobbies?
Reading, family, listening to classical music, and I enjoy a good cryptic crossword!

What dont you like in magic?
I dont like large illusions with smoke and loud music.

Do you have a favourite magic book?
I get a lot of good ideas and inspiration from magic books for children (not necessarily for childrens magic).

Is there anything you would change at HMC?
I dont like the voting format for the Simpson Shield and Bob Moore Trophy. It doesnt reflect a true result, on a close call, when you only have one vote. People could be tempted to vote for a friend. It should be judged by representatives of our elected committee or vote for first and second place should be allowed.

Have any amusing incidents occurred in connection with performing?
Every time I want to be a comedy magician, but people keep laughing at me.

What non-magical music, films, and books do you enjoy?
Classical music, mostly Mozart. Historical books and films.

Close-up or Stage?
Stage.

Best night at HMC and Why?
Any lectures, talks by our own members, because they are exclusive to those present on the night.

Red or Blue backed cards?
Blue.

David Copperfield or David Blaine?
David Blaine.

Sawing in Half or Levitation?
Levitation.

What is your favourite trick that you perform?
Its A Hold Up, from Alan Shaxons Lecture (originally by Oswald Rae), combined with a Pearl Necklace production from a Jack Delvin Lecture.